Why is the service engine light blinking?
A blinking service engine light can be a cause for concern for any vehicle owner. It’s very indicative that there is an issue with the engine system of your car, and if not addressed, it may lead to bigger issues later on. This article aims to explain why the service engine light is blinking and discuss the importance of seeking professional engine repair services. Here are some common reasons why the service engine light might be blinking:
- Engine Misfire: The most frequent reason why the service engine light blinks is related to engine misfires. This is incomplete combustion, where one or many of the cylinders in a car’s engine do not burn the fuel properly, providing the car less power. If left unchecked, misfires can cause severe damage to the engine.
- Faulty Spark Plugs or Ignition Coils: Spark plugs and ignition coils are vital parts of engine ignition systems. When these parts are worn out or bad, they can cause a misfire, and the service engine light may turn on in a blinking manner. To avoid this problem, maintenance, and replacement of spark plugs should be done on a regular basis.
- Issues with the Catalytic Converter: The exhaust muffler has a converter and it assists in minimizing the toxic pollutants from the car. An improperly working catalytic converter endangers increased emission and poor engine performance. When the catalytic converter is packed up or has been melted, the service engine light will blink.
- Problems with the Oxygen Sensor: The oxygen sensor checks the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases and assists the engine in managing the air-fuel blend. An improperly working oxygen sensor results in an improper fuel mixture, which affects the performance of the engine and consequently sets the service engine light.
- Vacuum Leaks: Leaks to the vacuum system are common when there are some breakages on the vacuum hoses that connect one component of the engine with another component. Such leaks cause a rough idle, terrible fuel economy, and the service engine light blinking.
Why Professional Engine Repair is Important?
- Accurate Diagnosis: Understanding why is the service engine light blinking requires a thorough diagnosis of the engine system. Experience mechanics employ devices to arrive at the root of the problem, and this will ensure that the problem is solved adequately.
- Expertise and Experience: Repair specialists have adequate knowledge and experience regarding the nature and cause of engine problems. Through this, they take their ability to repair the tasks and make the repair in order without causing more harm to the engine.
- Preventing Further Damage: If a driver is reckless enough to ignore the blinking service engine light, this may result in more intense problems with the engine and, therefore, costlier repairs. Getting an expert in engine repairs to tend to your car on time is desirable since it can avert small problems from becoming costly exercises to repair.
- Ensuring Safety: A malfunctioning engine exposes motorists to a lot of danger, some of which include frequent engine stalls, reduced power in acceleration, and increased emissions. Professional engine repair services provide for your Safety on the road by ensuring your car is safely and properly working.
Conclusion
Identifying why is the service engine light blinking comes in handy if you want your car to be safe and effective. These usually originate from the engine and can be caused by a malfunctioning fuel injector, misuse of the fuel system, a bad spark plug, or a catalytic converter. Hiring engine professionals guarantees proper testing of the engine and provides proper repairs to avoid more extensive problems in the car, thus maintaining the right engine performance.
Need to know why is the service engine light blinking? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about engine repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
A blinking service engine light can be a cause for concern for any vehicle owner. It’s very indicative that there is an issue with the engine system of your car, and if not addressed, it may lead to bigger issues later on. This article aims to explain why the service engine light is blinking and discuss the importance of seeking professional engine repair services. Here are some common reasons why the service engine light might be blinking:
- Engine Misfire: The most frequent reason why the service engine light blinks is related to engine misfires. This is incomplete combustion, where one or many of the cylinders in a car’s engine do not burn the fuel properly, providing the car less power. If left unchecked, misfires can cause severe damage to the engine.
- Faulty Spark Plugs or Ignition Coils: Spark plugs and ignition coils are vital parts of engine ignition systems. When these parts are worn out or bad, they can cause a misfire, and the service engine light may turn on in a blinking manner. To avoid this problem, maintenance, and replacement of spark plugs should be done on a regular basis.
- Issues with the Catalytic Converter: The exhaust muffler has a converter and it assists in minimizing the toxic pollutants from the car. An improperly working catalytic converter endangers increased emission and poor engine performance. When the catalytic converter is packed up or has been melted, the service engine light will blink.
- Problems with the Oxygen Sensor: The oxygen sensor checks the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases and assists the engine in managing the air-fuel blend. An improperly working oxygen sensor results in an improper fuel mixture, which affects the performance of the engine and consequently sets the service engine light.
- Vacuum Leaks: Leaks to the vacuum system are common when there are some breakages on the vacuum hoses that connect one component of the engine with another component. Such leaks cause a rough idle, terrible fuel economy, and the service engine light blinking.
Why Professional Engine Repair is Important?
- Accurate Diagnosis: Understanding why is the service engine light blinking requires a thorough diagnosis of the engine system. Experience mechanics employ devices to arrive at the root of the problem, and this will ensure that the problem is solved adequately.
- Expertise and Experience: Repair specialists have adequate knowledge and experience regarding the nature and cause of engine problems. Through this, they take their ability to repair the tasks and make the repair in order without causing more harm to the engine.
- Preventing Further Damage: If a driver is reckless enough to ignore the blinking service engine light, this may result in more intense problems with the engine and, therefore, costlier repairs. Getting an expert in engine repairs to tend to your car on time is desirable since it can avert small problems from becoming costly exercises to repair.
- Ensuring Safety: A malfunctioning engine exposes motorists to a lot of danger, some of which include frequent engine stalls, reduced power in acceleration, and increased emissions. Professional engine repair services provide for your Safety on the road by ensuring your car is safely and properly working.
Conclusion
Identifying why is the service engine light blinking comes in handy if you want your car to be safe and effective. These usually originate from the engine and can be caused by a malfunctioning fuel injector, misuse of the fuel system, a bad spark plug, or a catalytic converter. Hiring engine professionals guarantees proper testing of the engine and provides proper repairs to avoid more extensive problems in the car, thus maintaining the right engine performance.
Need to know why is the service engine light blinking? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about engine repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
